How Safe Are Flea Collars?

When choosing a flea-fighting method, safety is key. If your pet is sensitive to spot-on treatments (some pets get swollen skin or open sores), then a flea collar might be the better route. All pet owners should consult a veterinarian if they know their pet's skin is sensitive.

  1. History

    • Robert Goulding Jr. is noted to be the inventor of the flea collar. Goulding, an entomologist studying time-release pesticides invented the collar in 1964. Goulding also invented an insecticide-covered bag for cattle to rub against for the same effect.

    Chemicals

    • Flea collars are designed to effectively rid an animal of fleas via a small amount of pesticide, called Rabon, on the plastic flea collar. The pesticide on each flea collar is created to be effective for the size of animal it is purchased for. The pesticide lasts for 12 months, does not stain the fur or any carpet, and is designed to safely rid the dog's body of fleas.

    Warning

    • Never use a dog flea collar on a cat, kitten or puppy. The pesticides on each collar are specially formulated for animal size and can be dangerous. Puppies and kittens under three months should be treated by massaging dish soap into the pet's fur to smother and kill the fleas, but keep the sensitive skin safe.

    Effectiveness

    • Flea collars are safer than spot-on treatments for animals with skin sensitivity, but the effectiveness differs greatly. Flea collars are fashioned to be worn for up to a year, which is why the chemicals are a lot less harsh. Flea treatment may take longer, so if going the safer route, know that flea collar treatment will take longer than spot-on treatment, which usually takes a maximum of 24 hours.

    Time-Release Treatment

    • Flea collars are known as a time-release treatment for fleas. This means that the chemicals are spread out evenly throughout 12 months. This makes collars several times safer than flea dips or spot-on treatments. The chemicals are formulated to avoid irritation on the neck from long-wear.

    Ingestion

    • Flea collars are safe for chewing and ingestion. But if the dog ingests large parts of the collar, contact a veterinarian for expulsion of the foreign object from the dog's body.